…when it simply must be handmade…

What happens when two artistic types are on the loose in Orange County with only a vague aim in mind? One of them (me) finally buys a pan rack and pans at a restaurant supply shop. How did you end up there, Ms Fiber Artist, you ask? Kathleen, of Quilted Art Glass, graciously consented to make a set of tea light candle holders for me, and needed stainless steel ramekins over which the candle holders would be formed. The first place we tried had a bun rack on sale, and used baking racks. I’d been considering this set up for months, but begrudged paying shipping. Problem solved! It’s working as well for me as I’d hoped! (I’ll post pics of the tea light holders when they arrive)

As you may have read on ‘Nida Kay Designs’s Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/NidaKayDesigns/ , I’m going to wrap up my 2015 – 16 season at Palm Springs Village Fest this month. I need to give my crochet hand / wrist a rest. I plan to focus on dyeing yarn and fiber now that my dye station is organized. I have some 75% wool / 25% silk top that is an absolute dream to spin (I took some out for a test spin), so you spinners out there, be on the lookout for some fab fiber starting in January at ‘Nida Kay Designs Etsy shop! https://www.etsy.com/shop/nidakaydesigns .

Between catching up on yardwork (and figuring out how to cut water use by 36% by July 1)(darned drought), and slogging away at clearing off my desk, AND getting my family room in some resemblance of order (it kind of becomes a dumping ground during my Village Fest season) – I’ve been busy!

My guys bought a 15″ Cricket rigid heddle loom for me for Mother’s Day (thanks, guys!!). I dyed some lace weight 100% silk yarn tonight to warp the loom (Berry Crush and Deep Magenta – gorgeous!!)… once I get brave enough to try warping the loom. Direct warp anyone? Oh, yes! My only experience of warping a loom was helping Kristine of Storybook Fibers slay the reed on a big loom several years ago.

Speaking of Kristine, if you’re going to be in Idyllwild, CA this Saturday, the 2nd Saturday Art Festival will be held on the Idyllwild Community Center grounds from 10 am – 5 pm. If you see a spinning wheel, Kristine will be nearby! She has darling hats knit from her hand spun, hand dyed yarn, as well as other delightful items! http://www.storybookfibers.com/

The next few days I plan to spin up two pounds of fiber, an alpaca / silk / wool blend. I figure I’ll get five or six skeins of six-ish ounces, and can hardly wait to dye them!! I promise to post photos when they’re done!

Yes, I know, I’m delinquent on listing yarn and all things woolie. I have, however, been quite busy on the yard / home improvement front. Wanting to be a responsible Californian during the drought, I’m gradually converting areas of the yard to be more water-wise. Here is this week’s effort.

sprinkler pipe removed

da bricks

gotta have shade

off to a good start

almost done

I’ll fill the gap with small river rock. You see a brick is missing? The house footing concrete juts up in that one spot, preventing level brick placement. It gets river rock, and perhaps a strategically placed piece of yard art!

…it’s nice to work in the yard. I know I said I’d list yarn for sale this month (and I probably will, later), but the weather is presently perfect for working in my poor, neglected yard. HOT is just around the corner here in the Coachella Valley, and I want to be inside under an a/c vent when that happens!

If you need yarn right now, contact me, and I’ll do my best to see you get your hand dyed yarn fix pronto!

‘Nida Kay Designs’ trunk show at The Knitter’s Haven was a great success. Everyone promised to send me photos of what they’ll make with their yarn purchases, and I can hardly wait to see!! Kim got right on a scarflette! May I recommend the Vivienne 4 http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/vivienne-4 pattern. It needs only one skein of fingering weight, so it’s ideal for trying out a ‘Nida Kay Designs hand dyed yarn!

beginning of a scarflette

It’s gonna be yarn-a-palooza Thursday night at Village Fest! New colors, and dye lots of DK weight enough for a spring sweater / top! Decide what pattern you want to work up, stop by to select your yarn, and you can start your new project tomorrow night! Downtown Palm Springs, 6 – 10 pm. My booth is near PS Sunglasses and Cocky Cactus, between Andreas and Tahquitz on Palm Canyon.

Dye pots galore are a-simmer here at Casa de ‘Nida Kay Designs! I’ve been plotting colorways, and my clipboard is full of ideas, thoughts, and scribbles as I narrow down the color possibilities. Thanks for the color suggestions last Friday! Good thing I’m determined to let shoppers get first crack at the yarn, because I am soooo tempted to hold some back for my own use! Fingering, DK, worsted, and super bulky weights will be available.

After four years of having components of woolie studio located in various spots throughout my home, right smack dab in the middle of my Village Fest season, I decide I must begin consolidation / organization measures. While I can see it will be hugely beneficial in the long run, right now, let’s say things are at sixes and sevens!

woolie studio

My sweet guys went in together to buy a new crochet chair for me (that I got to choose). Super comfy for those long hours spent working. Thanks, guys!

In the mood for beautiful, lovingly hand dyed, quality yarn? Stop by The Knitter’s Haven for the latest ‘Nida Kay Designs trunk show, and while you’re there, discover the knitting / crochet / weaving community that is The Knitter’s Haven! A little birdie told me DK and fingering weight yarns are in demand these days for the shawl knitting epidemic sweeping the Haven. I’ll have some worsted weight, just in case, perhaps for fledgling weavers? 😉 Looking forward to seeing you there!